Port is a fortified wine that has its origins in the Duoro Valley. It is produced from various grape varieties, though Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, and Tinta Cão are considered the best for the red port, while Viozinho, Rabigato, Arinto, Cedega, Gouveio are largely used for the production of white port.
After fermentation, the wine is fortified with brandy and is usually matured in oak casks. Depending on the style, after blending, the wine can further age in the bottle or the barrel. The most common port styles include the young and fresh Ruby, the earthy Late-Bottled Vintage, and the rich and smooth Tawnies, while the Vintage ports enjoy the highest prestige.
Most styles perfectly pair with chocolate and caramel desserts, while aged varieties go exceptionally well with nuts and richly flavored blue and washed-rind cheeses. Although similar styles are produced elsewhere, only those made in Portugal can carry be labeled as port.
Types of Port
Part of
Hangman's Blood
Hangman’s Blood is an English cocktail prepared with a combination of gin, whiskey, rum, port, brandy, stout beer, and champagne. In order to prepare it,... Read more
Porto Flip
Porto Flip is a cocktail made with a combination of brandy, red port, and egg yolks. In order to prepare it, all ingredients should be shaken with ice, then strained ... Read more
Vaina
Vaina is essentially the Chilean version of eggnog, made with a combination of ruby port, chocolate liqueur, powdered sugar, fresh egg yolks, and either cognac ... Read more
Carrillada
Carrillada is a traditional dish made with braised pork (de cerdo) or beef (de ternera) cheeks. The dish is especially popular in Andalusia, and the best version is supposedly ... Read more
Serve with
Espetada
Espetada is a traditional dish and a specialty of the island of Madeira. It consists of big pieces of beef that are marinated in salt and garlic, then skewered on a bay ... Read more
Stilton
Stilton cheese is produced exclusively in the counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. It is one of the few kinds of cheese that freeze ... Read more
Cheddar
This sharp cow's milk cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world today, and it was first produced in the village of Cheddar in Somerset county, England in ... Read more
Best Port
